Staying clean and chemical free as a vegan bloke
Over the last couple of years I have had a number of people tell me how through either following me on social media, hearing my story or chatting, has encouraged them to challenge their thinking when it comes to animal products and their consumption. A few months back, I put together an easy vegan series on YouTube (and also in written form here on the blog) to demonstrate how easy and nutritious a plant diet can be. I’m specifically choosing my language carefully here. So, some people remove meat and/ or animal products from their diet and that is their ‘vegan lifestyle’. However, if I’m being slightly judgemental I find it a little hypocritical when they pay no regard to other important choices and purchases like clothing, health products etc. Now I am not perfect, but I know my direction and I make conscious decisions based upon my knowledge, budget, location (I do a lot of travel) and circumstances. Here is my video which is kind of like a moving version of the below, but without the helpful links! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N29FA6M-yXg
This blog is a bit of a helping hand to those that want to buy and use only cruelty-free products (no animal testing) and no animal based ingredients. As an addition to this I think it’s just as important to be kind to ourselves and our fellow humans, therefore reducing certain chemicals where we ca, which is in my eyes an important choice.
Below I have laid out a level 1, ‘vegan’ shopping list and a level 2, ‘vegan and chemical free’ list. I also added some notable brands you might want to consider and some additional reading.
Photo by natrot/iStock / Getty Images
This is the entry level stuff. For me, it was where I started before I discovered that although the items were ‘vegan’, certain chemicals might have been present. Before we list out the brands etc, I should explain the chemical thing for those that might not be clued up, as I wasn’t about a year ago. A disclaimer here; I am not a scientist and I urge anyone reading to conduct their own research and make their own informed choices.
Parabens – chemicals that prevent bacteria and act as a preservative. The reason that they MIGHT be bad is that they have an ability to mimic oestrogen and have been found in breast cancer tumours. There are some researchers out there investigating links between parabens and cancer, but nothing has been proven directly. But there are concerns. A study my Ms Darbre suggests parabens could be connected to breast cancer. I also read somewhere they might affect reproductive issues.
Sulfates – foaming agents. Also known as SLS, SLES. There are seemingly a lot of concerns about the levels of this that are deemed safe. Some people are more sensitive to sulfates than others and can experience irritation and respiratory conditions. Once again some people are investigating whether there are any links between sulfates and cancer, but at this point there is no scientific evidence to say they are carcinogenic. They are harsh though and SLS is only allowed to be max 1% in concentration for products that will be regularly used on the skin (they are used in engine degreasing etc!). For more info, check out this site http://slsfree.net/
Phthalates – gelling agent, and much more. Researchers have link these to asthma, ADHD, breast cancer, diabetes and more (see this article for more detail: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/10/phthalates-plastics-chemicals-research-analysis)
Fluoride – it’s a nasty chemical when in large quantities which is why there are strict controls on the amounts in toothpastes. Some also believe it calcifies the pineal gland.
Something to also remember is all these chemicals are being washed away into our sewage systems of course the oceans. Traces of these chemicals are being discovered in marine life, which of course people consume. There are alternatives nowadays, so I like to be on the safe side and make a different choice.
More cheery then, some options for you:
Body wash
Original source – vegan but contains SLS
Molton brown - vegan but contains SLS
Shampoo
Original source - vegan but contains SLS
Molton Brown - vegan but contains SLS
Shaving
Bull Dog - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Toothpaste
Kingfisher fluoride free – vegan and fluoride free
Moisturiser
Bull Dog - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Coconut oil - natural
Deodorant
Every Man Jack – natural, free from parabens, aluminium, phthalates, SLS
Man Cave - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Photo by Anna_leni/iStock / Getty Images
Body wash
Faith in Nature - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Sukin - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Sukin - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Shampoo
Man Cave - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Jason Thin to Thick - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Shaving
Man Cave - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Toothpaste
Kingfisher fluoride free
Moisturiser
Man Cave - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Deodorant
Every Man Jack - natural, free from parabens, aluminium, phthalates, SLS
Man Cave - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
Aftershave
Le Labo – vegan
Haircare
Man Cave - vegan and free from parabens/ SLS, artificial colours
So hopefully this little lot will help give you a leg up when it comes to choosing some trusted products that meet your values. I have provided some Amazon links, but I have also found some really great deals at TK Maxx and Costco. Don't forget to check out my video and comment with any suggestions that you might have to help me or any other readers.
Here are a few links to useful blogs that might help. My wife actually wrote about similar topics a while back: http://www.vickygooden.com/index.php/2017/01/15/trying-toxin-free-beauty-cleaning-lifestyle/
This blog explains a little more about vegan fragrances which has actually helped me make a decision to remove a certain cologne I was using despite being told by the producers that it was vegan: http://www.theveganwoman.com/is-my-perfume-vegan-the-secrets-behind-non-vegan-perfume/
Lastly, here are a few companies that I have tried, used etc and a worth a look:
Whisky Wolf (beard oils are 100% vegan)